Albany : Capital City on the Hudson

From dust jacket notes: "...This history of the Empire State's capital--the nation's oldest city still using its original charter--will entertain and inform both longtime residents and newcomers while alerting them to Albany's impressive legacy on display in buildings, businesses, and even the placement of streets and neighborhoods. The author takes his readers on brief, intriguing excursions to examine the fur trade, building the Erie Canal, the Capitol's construction, cast-iron stoves, and even neighborhood saloons. The engrossing narrative brings to life notable personalities, important events, and colorful incidents in Albany's past and present. Page after page of remarkable images illuminate the text, many from the vast collection of the Albany Institute of History and Art, as well as numerous brilliant color photographs taken especially for this volume. A special chapter, 'Chronicles of Leadership,' provides capsule histories of Albany businesses and organizations, detailing their contributions to the area's growth and success; and an illustrated chronology of significant events in Albany history enhances the text and puts it all in perspective....'